Pontiac was established in 1818 where the Pontiac Trail crossed the Clinton River. Settlers began pouring in, and by the 1880s the city entertained a major wagon- and carriage-making industry. In a sense, it still does: What began as the Pontiac Spring Wagon Works is known as General Motors. The Pontiac Division of General Motors perpetuates the name of the great Ottawa Indian chief who reputedly spent his summers at nearby Orchard Lake. Learn More...